Sandwich generation eligible for tax relief for supporting parents

More than 1 in 3 baby boomers is actively helping support a parent and 1 in 4 is supporting their adult children. Members of the "sandwich generation" – those supporting their parents and their own children – may be able to claim the up to $3,800 qualifying relative exemption for supporting their parents and adult children.

Generally, the eligible taxpayer must provide more than 50 percent of the financial support for eligible expenses such as food, lodging, clothing, education, medical and dental care, recreation and transportation.

However, non-relative qualifying dependents also may allow supporters to claim expenses associated with their care, if they live with the taxpayer all year and meet other qualifications. And, the children claimed do not have to be blood relatives, but they must live with the taxpayer for more than half the year and meet other qualifications.

Contact the Lisa Patterson at 816-305-4421 or
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to talk with an H&R Block tax professional about understanding how taxpayers can claim dependents of all ages and other tax breaks they might be entitled.